Bowie
Bowie is a unisex name of Scottish origin meaning “Yellow-haired”, pronounced BOH-ee. It ranked #1228 in the United States in 2025, given to 164 babies, and peaked at #952 in 2021. Common nicknames: Bo, Bow.
How popular is Bowie in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Bowie mean, and where does it come from?
Bowie is an anglicisation of the Gaelic buidhe, "yellow" or "fair-haired," carried as a surname by Scottish and Irish families and taken to America, where Jim Bowie gave his name to the knife and died at the Alamo. David Jones took the surname as a stage name for exactly that reason, and it is his version the name now carries: American birth records show a clear step up after his death in 2016, and Bowie reached the top thousand in 2018. It is used for girls and boys alike, pronounced BOH-ee in the singer's manner rather than the Texan BOO-ee.
How is Bowie used around the world?
Bowie is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Bowie?
Famous People Named Bowie
- David Bowie — English singer, songwriter and actor
- Jim Bowie — American frontiersman who died at the Alamo
Similar Names to Bowie
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Sibling Name Ideas for Bowie
Looking for names that pair well with Bowie? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bowie mean?
Bowie is a unisex name of Scottish origin meaning "Yellow-haired." Bowie is an anglicisation of the Gaelic buidhe, "yellow" or "fair-haired," carried as a surname by Scottish and Irish families and taken to America, where Jim Bowie gave his name to the knife and died at the Alamo. David Jones took the surname as a stage name for exactly that reason, and it is his version the name now carries: American birth records show a clear step up after his death in 2016, and Bowie reached the top thousand in 2018.
How do you pronounce Bowie?
Bowie is pronounced BOH-ee. Common variations include Bowe, Bowen, Boe.
Is Bowie a unisex name?
Yes, Bowie is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Bo, Bow.